Colorado Officials Settle: Woman Handcuffed in Police Car Hit by Train Gets $8.5 Million

Local Colorado officials have negotiated a $8.5 million deal with a woman who was hospitalized in 2022 after being left handcuffed in a police SUV that was struck by a train.

According to a notice from the Fort Lupton Police Department, the victim, Yareni Rios-Gonzalez, and the city and town of Platteville, Colorado, reached an agreement on a settlement. According to attorney Eric M. Ziporin, whose office represents the city, the payment will be split evenly between the town and the city and paid for by their insurance.

Rios, a suspect in a road rage case, survived the September 2022 incident but sustained nine broken ribs, a broken arm, and other injuries. “This voluntary settlement is to the mutual satisfaction of the parties, recognizes the gravity of the matter, and allows all parties to move forward,” the Fort Lupton police department stated.

Last year, Fort Lupton police officer Jordan Steinke, who placed Rios in the vehicle, was found guilty of reckless endangerment and third-degree assault in the crash and sentenced to 30 months of supervised probation and 100 hours of community service.

On the day of the incident, Steinke responded to a traffic check in which officers had pulled over Rios, who authorities claimed was suspected of displaying a gun at another car earlier that evening. Steinke transferred Rios to the cruiser of Platteville police officer Pablo Vasquez, who had parked in the midst of a railroad crossing.

Police revealed body and dash camera footage showing Rios crying for help as the train approached and slammed into the vehicle.

During her trial, Steinke claimed that she did not detect the railroad tracks despite many warning signs, one of which was near to where she parked her vehicle.

The officer stated that she was not fully aware of her surroundings because she was apprehensive about approaching a subject who might have a gun. “You can only divide your attention so much,” Steinke explained.

CNN has requested comment from the Town of Platteville and Rios’ attorney on the deal.

Fort Lupton is approximately 30 miles north of Denver.